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Swansea is located at the
entrance of Lake Macquarie (the largest saltwater coastal lake in the southern
hemisphere) and also benefits from being near the coast of the beautiful Pacific
Ocean. It is only 30 minutes drive from from Newcastle and only an hour and a
half from Sydney, making it a great holiday destination.
 There are many activities to do
when staying at Swansea. From exploring the tiny heritage village of
Catherine Hill Bay to wandering through the caves at Caves Beach (patrolled by
surf life savers in the warmer months). You can also take a day trip up to
the Watagan Mountains, or to the Hunter Valley Vineyards.
The area was initially known as
"Reid's Mistake". Captain William Reid thought he was entering the mouth of the
Hunter River to get coal but instead discovered the mouth of Lake Macquarie .
Initially the home to the Awabakal tribe it is now a popular residential and
tourist destination.
Just inside the lakes' entrance
on the southern side of the channel is Black Ned's Bay, named after the
last member of the Awabakal tribe to live in the area.
Later the local area became known as Pelican Flat (due to the
abundance of Pelicans in the area) but was renamed in 1887. A suburb of Pelican
is located just over the Swansea opening bridge.
Swansea is surrounded by a number
of great swimming and surfing beaches (Caves Beach, Blacksmiths, Catherine Hill
Bay) and of course many lakeside picnic areas. Boating is popular, as well
as Scuba diving and of course fishing. Or just sit back and have a waterfront
dining experience by the lake.
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